What Is a Coup-Contrecoup Brain Injury? - Oren Zarif - Contrecoup Injury

The most common type of contrecoup injury is a traumatic brain injury, and the results depend on the region of the brain affected. A contrecoup injury can be devastating, resulting in coma, permanent disability, and even death. Treatment for this type of injury focuses on alleviating any existing damage to the brain, minimizing the risk of further brain damage, and preventing further complications. In some cases, the damage is permanent, and patients will require long-term rehabilitative care.

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Contracoup injuries occur when a person's head and body are struck on either side of an object, such as a steering wheel, a hammer, or a car's steering wheel. This type of injury is caused by tensile forces impacting the axons, neurons, blood vessels, and other structures in the brain. Because these forces cause different effects, there is a wide variety of symptoms.

Although often overlooked, coup-contrecoup injuries can still lead to significant problems.

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The brain on the opposite side of the head is affected, and it is not immediately visible. A contrecoup injury is often misdiagnosed and may lead to treatment of one side of the brain while neglecting the other. In addition, a contracoup injury can lead to a lack of memory and mental confusion. Because of this, doctors are recommended to seek medical attention right away, as soon as possible.

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In the event of a coup-contrecoup head injury, patients will experience bruising in the specific locations of the brain. This type of injury occurs when a person experiences a sudden back-and-forth movement of the head. The symptoms of this type of injury are similar to those of a concussion. They may experience confusion, lack of motor coordination, ringing in the ears, and memory loss.

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A coup-contrecoup injury is a combination of two different types of head injuries. A coup injury occurs on the side of the brain directly underneath the point of impact while a contrecoup injury occurs on the side opposite the impact site. The coup injury can occur as the only type of head injury, or it can happen as part of a larger injury. In either case, the brain is protected from significant damage by cerebrospinal fluid.

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A coup-contrecoup brain injury can cause permanent effects, including coma and a vegetative state. Severe cases may lead to hydrocephalus, infections, or persistent headaches. It is possible to incur a wrongful death award for the surviving victim of a coup-contrecoup accident. This type of injury is particularly challenging to treat because of its extensive psychological and financial consequences. Even if you do recover, the resulting financial and emotional stress may leave you unable to work, limiting your quality of life.

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Although coup-contrecoup injuries are rare, they can affect your brain. The brain is made of soft tissue and is protected by the skull and spinal fluid. However, if the impact is severe enough, it can slam into the opposite side of the skull, causing the brain to move. The brain is affected by the momentum of the impact, much like water in a bucket. Coup-contrecoup injuries are related to concussions, and treatment should be initiated as soon as possible.

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An example of a successful coup-contrecoup brain injury lawsuit is the case of Dishman v. CJK Trucking. The case involved a rear-end collision involving a large tractor-trailer. The plaintiff sustained a traumatic coup-contrecoup injury to his head, suffered permanent hearing loss, and suffered physical disabilities. The jury awarded the family of the boy $1.3 million for the loss of his hearing and vision.

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A coup-contrecoup injury occurs when the brain strikes the opposite side of the skull at the same time. This injury results in a bruise where the brain was struck. This type of brain injury is extremely serious, and half of the damage could go unnoticed. The coup/contrecoup injury has a high risk of being overlooked, but is not uncommon. If it happens, the trauma will likely be catastrophic. So, it is imperative to consult a medical professional right away.